Down Syndrome Articles

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to down syndrome including topics such as down syndrome babies, down syndrome, and cures for down syndrome.
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Featured Down Syndrome Articles

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Often associated with mental retardation, Down syndrome is a condition occurring in 1 out of 800 live births. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at Down syndrome, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Most cases of Down syndrome are caused by trisomy 21. As this eMedTV page explains, this means that each cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two copies. This article looks at the causes of Down syndrome.

Regular checkups, medications, surgery, and counseling are all part of treatment for Down syndrome. This eMedTV Web segment describes these treatment options in detail, as well as conditions that may result from the disorder, such as cataracts.

Common symptoms of Down syndrome include poor muscle tone, a short neck, and a flat facial profile. This eMedTV page lists other characteristics of Down syndrome, as well as symptoms of conditions associated with this developmental disorder.

Common Down syndrome effects include mental retardation, thyroid problems, and eye problems. This eMedTV article discusses these and other possible effects of Down syndrome, such as hearing problems and congenital heart disease.

Down syndrome can result in certain medical or developmental issues in children. This eMedTV article describes these issues in detail and explores the value of early intervention for children with Down syndrome.

There are no cures for Down syndrome because the condition begins in the chromosomes. The information in this eMedTV page outlines current research investigating cures for Down syndrome, as well as more effective interventions and treatment options.

Hypotonia (poor muscle tone) is often present in Down syndrome babies and can cause problems with feeding. This eMedTV segment explains some of the other more common health problems faced by these babies and offers sources of help.

This eMedTV page explores the needs of people with Down syndrome as they grow older, and addresses challenges they face in the workplace. This page covers Down syndrome in adults, explaining how the right assistance can lead to a longer and richer life.

In most cases, a person's Down syndrome prognosis is favorable, with patients living into their 50s. As this eMedTV article explains, however, various factors can affect a Down syndrome prognosis, such as heart or joint problems.

This eMedTV Web page discusses current areas of Down syndrome research. For example, research is being conducted on new prenatal diagnostic techniques and medical treatments using amino acid supplements for children with the disorder.

As this eMedTV page explains, when material from one chromosome 21 is stuck onto another chromosome, translocation Down syndrome results. This is why people with this condition have 46 chromosomes, but still have the characteristics of Down syndrome.

This portion of the eMedTV archives explains processes used to make a Down syndrome diagnosis. Tests used include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, as well as a chromosomal karyotype.

As this eMedTV segment explains, mosaic trisomy 21 is a genetic variation that can cause Down syndrome. In this variation, the extra chromosome 21 is present in only some of the cells, which means that associated physical problems can vary.

As this eMedTV segment explains, the risk for Down syndrome increases if one of the parents is a balanced translocation carrier. This article provides details on other risk factors for this condition, such as maternal age.

Trisomy 21 genetics are vital to an understanding of Down syndrome. This eMedTV article explains the link between trisomy 21 genetics and Down syndrome -- namely, the condition results when three (rather than two) copies of chromosome 21 are present.

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